When does the pain go away?

Hi everyone, Just got home from the hospital yesterday. Doing pretty well considering how out of it I was just 2 days ago. I know I can expect to have a fair amount of pain for a while yet - thus the pain meds. I was just wondering how long to expect it to last. The worst of course is on the left side and that makes it hard to get up and down and move around a lot. I had the best surgeons and the very best hospital care - Meriter hospital in Madison. The nurses were phenomenal! Thank you all for you prayers over this past week. You're a great bunch! Gail

Did you have open or lap? If you had open, then since I had lap, I can't give you a great projection. I can tell you that, in either case, getting up and walking will help you be out of pain sooner. I took the pain meds for a day or two, but I had lap, so I don't know if it applies in your case. After a while the pain wasn't so much and the narcotics were making my head ache. At that point, I switched to adult strength Liquid Tylenol. We lived in Madison many years ago, what a great town and I'm happy to hear they have a wonderful program. Gano

I had lap - although they had to make 7 incisions instead of the 3 they usually do - they said I had a stubborn abdominal wall - figures! Anyway, the left side is where I feel it the most - still hard to stand up and sit down. I'm trying to cut back on the heavy duty pain meds cuz I don't like the way they make me feel. I'm walking around the house a quite a bit and even went outside and walked halfway down the block today. I know it's individual, but thanks for giving me an idea of how it went for the rest of you. Thanks, Gail

Hi Gail, I had lap and my pain lasted about a week. I could not lay on my side or stomach for about 3 (well I wouldn't really know that because I was subject to sleep on my back for 1 due to being in the hospital for pancreitis) but now I feel fabulous!! Bethany AKA Da Offishal Riddler and Bertha 24 Days into NewPouch and feeling great! -28 lbs!!!! Yayyyy A riddle a day will keep the Marchers pounds AWAY!

Hi Gail - unfrortunately there is no one answer - it all depends upon the type of surgery you had, and your personal pain tollerance. I always thought I had a fairly high pain tollerance until this surgery. Mine was lap. I came home and was feeling the pain and taking the pain meds for 4 days. It wasn't until day 5 of being home (1 week pos-op) that I could stand up straight. It's 10 days post-op and I still have some minor pain in my left side at times, but tylenol is taking care of it. I do noitce more pain on days I'm probably doing too much, or when I bend over. mgm

Hey Gail, congratulations on getting home! My simple answer to your question is this: the more you can do for yourself to speed your recovery, the quicker your pain will subside. Walk, Walk, Walk!!! As much and as often as possible. Good luck! Maureen